Why Quantum Phase Transitions Are Interesting
Abstract
Description
This paper discusses why the usual notion that quantum phase transitions can be mapped onto classical phase transitions in a higher dimension, and that this makes the former uninteresting from a fundamental theoretical point of view, is in general misleading. It is shown that quantum phase transitions are often qualitatively different from their classical counterparts due to (1) long-ranged effective interactions that are induced by soft modes, and (2) in the presence of quenched disorder, an extreme anisotropy of space-time. These points are illustrated using various magnetic phase transitions as examples.
15 pp., LaTeX, 1 eps fig, requires style file jltp.cls (included)
15 pp., LaTeX, 1 eps fig, requires style file jltp.cls (included)